UPROAR OVER LAKE NAKURU NATIONALA PARK 'NO FREE ENTRY' DIRECTIVE

The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) has come under sharp criticism after announcing that Lake Nakuru National Park would not be part of the much-publicized free-entry initiative planned for Saturday, 27th September 2025.
The move has sparked widespread outrage just hours before the World Tourism Day celebrations.
KWS had initially included Lake Nakuru among the list of parks set to offer free access to Kenyan citizens in a notice dated 23rd September 2025. However, in a sudden reversal issued on the evening of Friday, 26th September, the agency excluded the park without providing a specific reason.
“The public is hereby notified that there shall be no free entry to Lake Nakuru National Park, today, Saturday, 27th September 2025,” the statement read.
KWS clarified that only visitors with prepaid eCitizen tickets would be allowed access to the park via the Nderit Gate between 6:00 am and 6:00 pm, while the more commonly used Lake Nakuru Main Gate (flamingo area) and Lanet Gate would remain closed for the day.
Meanwhile, all other KWS-managed National Parks, Reserves, and Sanctuaries — including popular destinations like Amboseli, Hell’s Gate, and Chyulu Hills — remain open and accessible to Kenyan citizens at no cost.
“The public is further advised that all other KWS-managed National Parks, Reserves, and Sanctuaries across the country shall remain open and accessible today, Saturday, 27th September 2025, under the free entry initiative for Kenyan citizens,” KWS added.
Despite the general excitement surrounding the free-entry program, the exclusion of Lake Nakuru National Park ignited an uproar across social media platforms, with many accusing KWS of acting in bad faith.